Kerry O'Brien (athlete)

Kerry Dennis O'Brien (born 17 April 1946) is a retired Australian runner. Competing in the steeplechase he won a silver medal at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and finished fourth at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He held the world record in this event between 1970 and 1972. At the 1970 Commonwealth Games, O'Brien fell at the penultimate water-jump, while leading, and failed to finish the race. He also fell during the 1972 Olympics. He retired in 1973 having won nine Australian titles in the steeplechase, 5000 m and cross-country running.[4]

Kerry O'Brien
O'Brien in 1971
Personal information
Born17 April 1946 (1946-04-17) (age 78)
Port Augusta, South Australia
Height180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight70 kg (154 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
Event(s)Mile-10,000 m, steeplechase
ClubUTEP Miners, El Paso
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)5000 m – 13:37.2 (1970)
10,000 m – 28:43.6 (1969)
3000 mS – 8:21.98 (1970)[1][2][3]
Medal record
Representing  Australia
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal – second place 1966 Kingston Steeplechase

International competitions

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Year Competition Venue Position Notes
1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games Kingston, Jamaica 8th 1 mile
2nd 3000 m steeplechase
1968 Olympic Games Mexico City, Mexico 4th 3000 m steeplechase
1969 Pacific Conference Games Tokyo, Japan 1st 3000 m steeplechase
1970 British Commonwealth Games Edinburgh, Scotland 8th 10,000 m
DNF 3000 m steeplechase
1972 Olympic Games Munich, West Germany DNF 3000 m steeplechase
1973 Pacific Conference Games Toronto, Canada 1st 3000 m steeplechase

References

edit
  1. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Kerry O'Brien". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 29 September 2018.
  2. ^ "Kerry O'Brien". trackfield.brinkster.net. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Kerry O'Brien". IAAF.org. Archived from the original on 8 April 2019.
  4. ^ "Kerry O'BRIEN (SA)". Australian Athletics Historical Results. Archived from the original on 27 November 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
Records
Preceded by Men's 3000 m steeplechase
world record holder

4 July 1970 – 14 September 1972
Succeeded by
Sporting positions
Preceded by Men's 3000 m steeplechase
best year performance

1970–1971
Succeeded by